May 8, 1945 — VE Day

May 8/45 – “V” Day
A beautiful day, but everything appears the same – only no aeroplanes, no guns – all is quiet, but still we cannot really believe that the War is over and once more we can live as human beings. It is now 2:30 p.m. I am in my office and radio tuned in to the station where Churchill’s speech will come.

We are not excited but more or less struck dumb. I know you will be listening in Calgary to the same voice I am listening to in Germany, and our thoughts will be the same. Many will have different thoughts to us.
The broadcast is over – a few of us gathered in the Orderly Room to hear it. Brig. Playfair, Maj. McGibbon, Dave McKenzie, Archie Hardyment, N/S Stover, Smith, Ronnie, Paul and I.

Now for the long weary wait to go home.

9:30 Have just finished listening to the King’s broadcast and I guess the big day is over. Your excitement at home.
May 9 – A general conference at Corps H.Q. today. McKinnon, McKenzie, Bradshaw and I attended. We met many old friends and really spent a very enjoyable morning. Verna Carter left for England today – we sent her in one of our cars to No. 7 Gen Hosp at Bremen.

Frank Swanson had lunch with me and tonight Maj. Williams O.C. – 9 FDS dropped in for supper. Have been very busy reorganizing all day and tomorrow morning must give a talk to my Unit outlining future plans.